4 foreign ministers confirmed at Iran nuke talks

VIENNA (AP) -- Three European powers and the U.S. have confirmed that their foreign ministers will join Iran nuclear talks this weekend in an effort to advance the stalled negotiations.

But the Itar-Tass news agency reported Friday that their Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, isn’t coming. That could lessen chances of success, because Moscow often acts as a bridge between Washington and Tehran at the talks.

Foreign ministers from Britain, France and Germany are expected in Vienna by Sunday. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to arrive Saturday.

The four hope to lessen significant disagreements hindering attempts to agree on long-term curbs on Iran’s nuclear activities in exchange for ending sanctions on Tehran.

If that fails, the two sides could extend their negotiations past a July 20 target date for a deal.

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